TAJ SMITH OUT, OTHERS IN
The Roughriders got back to work on Wednesday with what defensive coordinator Greg Quick called perhaps their “best practice of the year”.
It was Day 1 of the practice week as the Riders (0-4) prepare to host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-2) Sunday at 5:00 pm (TSN, CKRM Rider Radio Network).
After the practice, head coach Corey Chamblin disclosed WR Taj Smith has been “shut down” for the year. Chamblin basically said Smith hasn’t been at 100% health and other receivers have passed him on the depth chart. Chamblin also said Smith right now “wasn’t himself”.
There was no immediate word on whether the Syracuse product is to be released, suspended or placed on the 6-game injured list. However Wednesday night Sportsnet’s Arash Madani reported Taj has had an MRI which revealed a knee injury, and he’ll be headed to the 6-game Injured List.
In other news, returner/receiver Ryan Smith returned to roster after missing two games with a concussion. He’s been brought off the 6-game injured list.
Rookie first round draft pick Nic Demski has returned from a shoulder injury which caused him to miss the past three games. Both he and Smith plan to be activated for Sunday’s game.
Veteran CFL defensive back Alex Suber practiced with the team for the first time on Wednesday but Chamblin said for now Suber is on the practice roster. He’ll battle with rookie Junior Mertile to get on the roster this week.
I felt Taj should have been released prior to game 1. I gave him a little hope but could clearly see our depth at WR after game 1 was too strong to pay such a hefty fee for a sub-par receiver. Thanks for everything, Taj and good luck in the future.
Sad to see his chances emptied over alternate "off the field" issues
Everybody that's been to a Rider game knew Taj was in over his head. I'm glad the staff finally figured it out. Maybe after this court thing he'll get committed to football again. He can thank Dwight Anderson for that.
I think Taj was only with the team the last 2 weeks because Ryan Smith was hurt. Now he becomes expendible.
But is he NOT released because of the impending court date Roddie?
He is not the same receiver he used to be. He seemed to quit fighting for the ball. The interception against Toronto, he waited for the ball to come to him and never even took a step towards the ball or defender.
I know another receiver that also does not look good.
Not at all sad to see Taj go.
Trade bait prior to training camp for a draft pick? Package him with Getzlaff for DE, Or DB, or LB? Nothing gets you nothing.
Be lucky to get a bag of J5V's for either of them
We have a defensive coordinator?? Who knew!
Taj has legal problems.
When defence and special teams struggle changes need to be made. Sit down a receiver from the number one offence? That's how to go winless.
Those so called "journalists" in Winnipeg should mind their own business. Perhaps they should do a story on the Bomber concussion protocol that the Bombers used to get Willy back into the lineup!
Too bad about Taj – The reality is, this is a business , expectations are high, & and players need to produce. A young man just lost his job (and may have a difficult task in finding another one like the one he just had) so I don't think anyone should be celebrating that! We should all show some compassion ……..
Taj wasn't the same this year. That was obvious. The int against the Argos was living proof. didn't even try to go for the ball….
Those so called "journalists" in Winnipeg should mind their own business. Perhaps they should do a story on the Bomber concussion protocol that the Bombers used to get Willy back into the lineup!
Ummmmmm…THEY DID IDIOT!!!
There's no tears here. His no try attitude cost us the Toronto game for sure and probably more.
Is that you Lawless ? Or is it the "other" guy?
When is Dropzlaf gone?
canadian passport makes you virtually untouchable ulness you are really useless
sorry guys,with "doubles" taj was very "productive"! as for interception,never-ever should have been thrown!…Durant would have thrown it into the stands….poor decision in the red zone!!!